Dr. Lakhbir Singh Sokhi, born on February 5, 1949, in Lakheri, Rajasthan, to S. Joginder Singh Sokhi and Swarn Kaur, emerged from humble beginnings shaped by resilience and dedication. His father, a machinist who migrated from Punjab to work at the ACC cement factory, faced challenges in Rajasthan, including the loss of family land to local adversaries. Despite these hardships, His father achieved an engineering diploma and secured a position at the cement factory, setting an early example of perseverance.

He attended the ACC company school through the seventh grade, where he distinguished himself both academically and through extracurricular activities. His precociousness was evident when he delivered an English speech about Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, gaining recognition at an early age. For enhanced educational prospects, his father relocated him to Khalsa School in Tarn Taran, Punjab. This transition brought challenges, particularly adjusting from Hindi to Punjabi as the medium of instruction. Despite the initial language barrier, he excelled in science subjects taught in English. During his higher secondary years, he launched a poultry farm to support a classmate who could not afford higher education, a venture that taught him financial independence and a sense of responsibility.

Upon completing his higher secondary education through Punjab University, He pursued a degree in non-medical science at D.A.V. College, Amritsar, despite his father’s preference for a vocational path. Balancing his studies with managing the poultry farm, he achieved financial stability throughout college, though he encountered adversity in his second year. He and his classmates were wrongfully arrested following riots at Amritsar Railway Station, which strained his academic performance. Undeterred, he completed his degree, although the competitive job market at the time offered limited opportunities for science graduates.

He was accepted to Heald’s Engineering College in San Francisco. However, the 1966 depreciation of the Indian Rupee forced him to abandon plans to study abroad. In 1971, the Indo-Pak war led to power outages and subsequent failure of his poultry farm. Undaunted, he redirected his focus to international trade and founded The New Standard Export Enterprises. Although he initially secured significant orders, bureaucratic and banking challenges stymied his progress. Disillusioned, he joined the Indian Society of International Law, gaining insights that would guide his future endeavors.

His interest in industrial consultancy ultimately led him to the food processing sector, where he developed a revolutionary, cost-effective vegetable dehydration method. This innovation brought him widespread recognition, earning him the Vijay Shree Award in 1998 and the “Gem of India” award in 2000. His research into solar technology has since been implemented in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant contribution to sustainable practices in the region.

He continues to be active as a human rights advocate, particularly in judicial reforms, and holds a Ph.D. (Hon) in Legal Studies. His career, marked by industrial innovation and public service, reflects a lifelong commitment to overcoming adversity and contributing to society. He remains respected for his contributions to both technological advancements and his work in human rights, solidifying his legacy as a figure of resilience and dedication to progress.

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